15 Best Mountain Towns in Colorado
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Are you looking for the best mountain towns in Colorado? You’re in luck!
Enjoy a rustic and scenic getaway with places like Durango, Telluride, Crested Butte, and Estes Park. From skiing and snowboarding down the slopes to relaxing riverside strolls surrounded by mountain peaks, these towns will make your adventure unforgettable.
As Colorado locals, we made it our mission to visit as many Colorado mountain towns as possible. Though our favorite is Estes Park, they are all worth visiting.
That’s why we’re so excited to introduce you to these beautiful and vibrant locations – perfect for a weekend getaway or even an extended stay! Here are all of the best mountain towns in Colorado.
🚗 Click here to rent a car for your trip to Denver!
Mountain Towns in Colorado
Estes Park
Estes Park is widely considered one of the best mountain towns in Colorado, and it’s no wonder why.
This small town serves as the perfect home base for anyone looking to explore the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park, offering breathtaking views and activities for all ages.
Plus, Estes Park is always buzzing with something fun to do – whether it’s a live music show or a local art festival happening in the town center.
To top it off, you’ll find some of the best shops in the Denver area here, selling everything from locally made souvenirs to exquisite jewelry crafted by local artisans. (Not to mention the countless taffy shops.)
If you’re looking for a mountain getaway that offers plenty of activities and stunning beauty, Estes Park is the place to be. There’s a reason that it’s our fave CO mountain town. It’s also a super easy drive from Denver.
Silverton
Silverton is one of the best places to visit in Colorado for those looking to get close to the mountains, offering some of the most incredible hiking experiences.
The Ice Lake Trailhead is a local favorite, rewarding hikers with beautiful waters and stunning views of mountains and valleys.
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is another popular attraction that takes visitors on a scenic trip through the San Juan Mountains.
Finally, Silverton sits conveniently close to the Million Dollar Highway, a stunning stretch of road that winds through canyons and passes through towering peaks with amazing views.
Though it’s not for those who don’t like heights (ahem… I once turned around on this road because of the heights!), it is very beautiful.
All of this makes Silverton an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking adventure or simply an escape from their everyday lives.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado because it has something for everyone. Skiing? Check!
The Gondola is completely free, so you can take in beautiful views of the Rockies without spending a dime. If you’re looking to unwind after a day on the slopes, there are some great breweries around.
And if you’re looking for something unique, don’t miss the Breckenridge Troll – a large troll sculpture made out of wood that definitely adds some character to this charming town.
All this makes Breckenridge a great destination for anyone looking to get away and enjoy the outdoors in Colorado.
Durango
Durango, located near the southwestern border of Colorado, is one of the best mountain towns in the state.
This little town has a plethora of activities and attractions nearby, like Mesa Verde National Park, a great ski resort called Purgatory Resort, and many beautiful trails for both hiking and biking.
Oh, and if you are looking to visit more than one town with your visit, then be sure to check out the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad we mentioned! (You can visit both Silverton and Durango.)
Boulder
Boulder is an incredible mountain town that’s easy to get to from Denver. You can take the Flatiron Flyer, the regional public transportation system, and be there in no time if you don’t have a car.
Plus, Boulder has a lot to offer in terms of things to do and sights to see! Pearl Street Mall is one of our favorite places for shopping, with lots of unique boutiques and stores.
And for foodies, you’ve probably heard of Foolish Craig’s Café—it’s been featured on the Food Network, and it has THE BEST crepes! Anytime anyone visits us in Denver, whether friends or family, we always bring them here.
So, if you’re looking for a great day trip or weekend mountain getaway from Denver, Boulder should be at the top of your list.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for a variety of reasons. For starters, it’s home to an incredible natural wonder—Garden of the Gods.
It’s a great place to go for a day and explore some of the most unique rock formations you’ll ever see. There are also plenty of trails for hiking, from easy walks among wildflowers to tougher treks.
And when you’re done with your adventure, there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in town that are perfect for grabbing a bite and relaxing.
The town center has everything from casual eateries to upscale dining, so you can find whatever fits your mood!
Telluride
Telluride is one of the most famous ski towns in Colorado, and it’s no wonder why. The town center is vibrant and alive, with a great variety of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Plus, if you’re interested in skiing or snowboarding, you can take the gondola from town up to the resorts – it’s a stunning ride!
What’s even better is that if you visit Telluride in the off-season, you can get some amazing deals on hotels so that you can have an affordable mountain getaway like I did last fall. The beauty of this mountain town never fails to amaze me!
If you’re looking for a great place to eat during your visit, don’t miss out on Crazy Elk Pizza. I loved this place!
Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for a variety of reasons.
To start, it’s located right outside of Colorado Springs, making it a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life while still having plenty of nearby activities and attractions.
Another major draw to Manitou Springs is its mineral waters and spas. Its natural hot springs offer relaxation as well as many unique healing treatments. Sun Water Spa is the most popular.
Last but not least, the Manitou Incline Trail is here; it is an extremely difficult hike but with incredible views that make it worth all the effort. It’s pretty much a bunch of stairs that lead up to a mountain and have an incredible view at the top.
Vail
Vail is one of Colorado’s most beloved mountain towns for many reasons. It’s a classic European-style village with narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque old buildings, and charming boutiques.
Plus, the restaurants here are truly amazing – any time you’re visiting, be sure to sample some of them! And the shopping? Phenomenal.
There’s everything from cozy souvenir shops to designer stores, so you can find something special no matter what your budget is.
Vail is also home to Vail Ski Resort, one of the biggest single-mountain ski resorts in the entire USA.
Golden
Golden is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. Located just a short drive from the bustling city of Denver, this small mountain town can provide some of the best tubing that Colorado has to offer.
Its downtown area is great for wandering around, with lots of unique local shops and restaurants where you can really get a feel for the real Golden— all while enjoying stunning views of the rocky mountains.
While it’s beautiful all year round, we particularly love visiting in winter. The Welcome to Golden sign gets all holiday-ed up!
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado for so many reasons. Shopping here is great, and the Yampa River Botanic Park is a peaceful place to visit.
Plus, there are amazing hot springs like Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs and Old Town Hot Springs, providing an incredible escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.
And winter brings fun for all with Steamboat Ski Resort! Whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, it’s sure to be a day filled with adventure and memories. All of this makes it clear why Steamboat Springs is one of the top mountain towns in Colorado!
Aspen
Aspen is an incredible mountain town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The picturesque Maroon Bells frame the crystal clear sky and unobstructed view of nature’s beauty.
This town also has some of the best skiing spots in Colorado, including world-class ski resorts like Aspen Snowmass.
But there’s more to this small mountain town than just great skiing; the town center itself is incredibly walkable, with a wide range of restaurants, shops, and attractions to keep you entertained.
Whether you’re looking for some apres-ski activities or just want to soak up the scenery, Aspen has something for everyone.
Ouray
Ouray, Colorado, is one of the best mountain towns in the state. It’s a small mountain town but has some of the most epic hikes and views around.
Not to mention, it’s home to some amazing hot springs and Cascade Falls Park, which are definitely worth a visit. Ouray is often overlooked despite its natural beauty, so if you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path, then this is definitely the place to go.
Plus, experiencing all these amazing places with fewer people makes it even more special! The locals here are also incredibly friendly and helpful, so you know you’re always in good hands when visiting Ouray.
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is an amazing mountain town in Colorado, and it’s easy to see why.
With a great hike up to the grave of Doc Holliday, who has been immortalized in popular culture (like the TV show Wynonna Earp), the area has a distinct history waiting to be explored.
It’s also home to Hanging Lake Trail, one of the most scenic areas in Colorado, with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Just remember to make your reservation!
And, for those looking for a different type of adventure, the downtown area offers plenty of shops and restaurants where you can find something unique or just relax after a day exploring outdoors.
Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs is not only an old mining town, but it’s also a great place to explore some of Colorado’s amazing nature.
It’s the perfect day trip from Denver if you want to try your hand at exploring some of the old mining spots or hiking up St Mary’s Glacier. The short but steep hike is incredibly rewarding and definitely worth the effort!
As a bonus, when you’re done with all your adventures for the day, head downtown and grab a slice of Colorado-style pizza at Beau Jo’s—it’ll be the perfect way to end your adventure.
🚗 Click here to rent a car for your trip to Denver!
Final Thoughts: Colorado Mountain Towns
The beauty of Colorado mountain towns is undeniable. From the crisp air to the stunning views, there’s something about these towns that keeps people coming back for more.
Whether you’re looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life or just want to explore nature in its purest form, any of these mountain towns in CO are sure to provide an adventure.
With plenty of outdoor activities and stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone in these breathtaking places. So, if you’re looking for a unique way to experience Colorado, take a trip to one of its many mountain towns and find out what all the fuss is about!
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